05-17-2018, 08:58 PM
A smaller footprint would make izakaya-format success more likely, I think. Typical ones in Tokyo only hold 10-20 customers!
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There's a place called Kuro at University + Albert that's calling itself an izakaya, serving cooked dishes, ramen, and some small plates. I went once shortly after it opened last July and wasn't hugely impressed but I'm kind of picky about Japanese food. Worth checking out if you have a craving for oyakodon or tonkatsu.
I still think a proper izakaya could work if done well here, but I can't blame Kinkaku for pivoting when they realized that 90% of the people walking in the door were expecting an AYCE sushi experience. 
05-18-2018, 10:20 AM
(05-18-2018, 09:31 AM)goggolor Wrote: There's a place called Kuro at University + Albert that's calling itself an izakaya, serving cooked dishes, ramen, and some small plates. I went once shortly after it opened last July and wasn't hugely impressed but I'm kind of picky about Japanese food. Worth checking out if you have a craving for oyakodon or tonkatsu. Looking at the web site, Kuro looks like it might qualify as a "real izakaya". Still urban so I could take a bus home (and not have to limit my alcohol consumption). What did you find to be the issue with their food?
05-18-2018, 10:56 AM
It felt kind of soul-less... they've obviously put a lot of money into the decor but not a lot of effort into the food, and the staff wasn't very knowledgeable. The Record review sums it up pretty well: https://www.therecord.com/whatson-story/...-waterloo/
It's not clear to me if any Japanese person is actually involved in the place either. Their misuse of the katakana in the name bugs me (why do you use a "ke" if your name starts with "ku"), and I don't think you should be allowed to call yourself an izakaya if you don't have shochu. But again... I'm picky... maybe they've worked some of this out since then but I haven't had the urge to go back. 
05-18-2018, 12:02 PM
Kuro's font I always read as "TURD", which throws me off everytime.
Coke
05-18-2018, 12:15 PM
Thanks. Based on your comments and the Record review it's unfortunate … none of the dishes in the review are complex, and in Tokyo you would just assume they are done right, there is no need to seek out a special restaurant.
 One can only hope that they have improved since then. (I'm personally not big on shochu, so that part I can overlook!)
05-21-2018, 10:43 AM
Found this on Twitter - the liquor license application for 137 King St E is for "Izna Donburi House": https://twitter.com/samnabi/status/957276660646195200
I took a peak inside on Saturday, they're going for the rough-hewn wood aesthetic favored by many of the Toronto yakitori/izakaya spots. Cautiously optimistic on this one.
05-21-2018, 10:45 AM
Also favoured by many izakayas in Japan.
05-22-2018, 10:08 PM
I have to throw out a recommendation out to Four All ice cream, at the corner of Cedar and Whitney (near Courtland and Stirling). Fabulous and creative ice cream in a small place tucked away in the courtyard of the old industrial building on Whitney Pl.
https://www.fourall.ca/ I love gelato but Four All's Thundering Espresso and Whiskey Caramel Pecan are superb, and worth the walk (or drive) to Whitney Pl.
05-23-2018, 07:08 AM
(05-22-2018, 10:08 PM)tomh009 Wrote: I have to throw out a recommendation out to Four All ice cream, at the corner of Cedar and Whitney (near Courtland and Stirling). Fabulous and creative ice cream in a small place tucked away in the courtyard of the old industrial building on Whitney Pl. Thanks for the recommendation . I will be checking it out this weekend with this kids. Close to Victoria Park too.
05-23-2018, 10:39 AM
05-23-2018, 11:55 AM
(05-23-2018, 10:06 AM)Watdot Wrote: Speaking of Four All... Great video... |
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